Intel Core i9-13900

Intel Core i9-13900: Power and Efficiency for Demanding Tasks (2025)
Review of a processor that remains relevant two years after its release
Key Specifications: Architecture, Process Technology, and Key Features
The Intel Core i9-13900 processor, released at the end of 2022, continues to be a popular solution for high-performance PCs. Its codename is Raptor Lake, and its architecture features a combination of P-Core (Performance) and E-Core (Efficient) hybrid cores.
- Process Technology: Intel 7 (10 nm Enhanced SuperFin).
- Cores and Threads: 24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) and 32 threads.
- Cache: 36 MB L3.
- Base Frequency: 2.0 GHz (P-cores up to 5.4 GHz in Turbo Boost).
- TDP: 65 W (actual power consumption under load reaches 150 W).
- Integrated Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 770.
Key Features:
1. Intel Thread Director — optimizes task distribution among cores.
2. Support for PCIe 5.0 (up to 16 lanes) and DDR5-5600/DDR4-3200.
3. Thermal Velocity Boost and Adaptive Boost technologies for automatic overclocking.
Performance:
- Geekbench 6: 2712 (Single-Core), 16049 (Multi-Core).
- In Blender rendering tests (BMW scene), the processor completes the task in 4.2 minutes, which is 18% faster than the i9-12900K.
Compatible Motherboards: Sockets and Chipsets
The processor uses the LGA 1700 socket, compatible with the Z790, B760, H770 chipsets.
- Z790: The best choice for enthusiasts. Supports overclocking, PCIe 5.0 x16, and up to 4 NVMe SSDs. Examples:
- ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming ($350–$400).
- MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi ($300).
- B760: A balance of price and capabilities. No CPU overclocking, but has PCIe 5.0 for the graphics card. Example: Gigabyte B760 AORUS Elite AX ($180).
- H770: A budget option with a limited number of ports. Suitable for office builds.
Tip: Even in 2025, some Z690 motherboards support the i9-13900 after a BIOS update (e.g., ASUS TUF Z690-Plus).
Supported Memory: DDR4 vs DDR5
The processor works with DDR5-5600 and DDR4-3200.
- DDR5: Provides a boost in bandwidth-sensitive tasks (rendering, data compression). For example, in Handbrake, video conversion speeds up by 12–15%.
- DDR4: Cheaper (32 GB DDR4-3200 — $70 vs DDR5-5600 — $120). Ideal for gaming where FPS differences are minimal (2–5%).
Recommendation: For workstations, choose DDR5; for gaming, DDR4 (if on a budget).
Power Supplies: How Not to Make a Mistake in Choosing
The official TDP of 65 W is an averaged figure. Under peak load (e.g., in Cinebench R23), the processor consumes up to 150 W.
- Without a discrete graphics card: A power supply of 450–550 W is sufficient (e.g., be quiet! Pure Power 11 500W — $75).
- With a graphics card like the NVIDIA RTX 4070: A power supply of 650–750 W is recommended. Examples:
- Corsair RM750x (80+ Gold, $110).
- Seasonic FOCUS GX-650 ($95).
Important: Use an 8-pin CPU Power cable for stable power delivery.
Pros and Cons of the i9-13900
Advantages:
- High multi-threaded performance (16049 points in Geekbench 6 Multi-Core).
- Energy efficiency in base scenarios (TDP 65 W).
- Support for DDR5 and PCIe 5.0.
Disadvantages:
- Requires powerful cooling under load (liquid coolers recommended, e.g., Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 — $120).
- High price ($420–$450 in 2025).
- Integrated UHD 770 graphics are weak for modern gaming.
Use Cases: Gaming, Work, and Creativity
- Gaming: In Cyberpunk 2077 (1440p, Ultra) with RTX 4070 Ti, the average FPS is 95–110. The processor does not become a bottleneck.
- Work Tasks:
- Video editing in Premiere Pro: Rendering a 4K project takes 22 minutes.
- 3D modeling: In SolidWorks, scenes are processed 30% faster than on the i7-13700.
- Multimedia: Streaming in OBS + gaming — no lag thanks to 32 threads.
Comparison with Competitors
The main competitor is the AMD Ryzen 9 7900X (price: $400).
- Single-Core Performance: The i9-13900 outperforms by 8% (Geekbench 6 Single-Core: 2712 vs 2510).
- Multi-Core Tasks: The Ryzen 9 7900X lags by 12% due to fewer cores (12 vs 24).
- Power Consumption: AMD's is lower (105 W vs 150 W for Intel under load).
Conclusion: Intel wins in performance, AMD in energy efficiency.
Practical Assembly Tips
1. Cooling: Minimum — tower cooler (Noctua NH-D15, $100), ideally a liquid cooler.
2. Case: Choose models with good ventilation (Lian Li Lancool III, $150).
3. Storage: Use PCIe 5.0 SSD (Samsung 990 Pro 2TB, $180) for maximum speed.
4. Drivers: Install Intel Dynamic Tuning Driver for energy optimization.
Final Conclusion: Who Should Choose the i9-13900?
This processor is worth choosing for:
- Professionals: Video editors, programmers, engineers.
- Gamers: For builds with top graphics cards (RTX 4080 and above).
- Enthusiasts: Those who value upgrades to DDR5 and PCIe 5.0.
Alternative: If on a budget, consider the i7-13700 ($320) or Ryzen 7 7800X3D (for gaming).
In 2025, the Intel Core i9-13900 remains a strong choice for those not willing to overpay for the latest models but wanting maximum performance for reasonable money.
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